www.boardsportsource.com

I have just stumbled upon an AMAZING website that I will definitely be using in the future. The website is used by professionals in the surf skate and snow business. It includes product trends, retail news, brand profiles and industry jobs. Essentially it is like a 'Drapers' for the board sport sector.
The job listings includes vacancies with Rip Curl and Volcom. It also includes industry news. I want to have my finger on the pulse of what is going on in the industry so that I can stand out from other applicants in job interviews!

The Future of British fabric/tecnology

I first heard about smart fabrics when Apple and snowboard-wear company Burton collaborated on the worlds first wearable electronic jacket. The Burton Amp Jacket is a snowboarding jacket with I pod controls built into the sleeve

London fashion week saw collections including LED lighting and T-shirts with videos. It is an exciting time to be a designer. Smart fabric producer Luminex have created a glimmering fabric that is made by weaving fibre optics into the fabric.

I think in the future new science will mean that people will be wearing garments that actaully interact with the environment that they are in. There is no limit to the possibilities of British fabric technology. However I think that it will be a long time until these fabrics are a part of main stream fashion. For example are these pieces practical? How can you wash them?. In the mean time I think that this technology may be more succesfull in accessories as it is on a smaller scale and may be more practical.

The Future of Eco Fashion

As the recession eases sustainable brands are showing rapid sales growth.
Recent research by Mibtel has shown that sales of ethical clothing have quadrupled in the past 5 years. This is likely to be due to increased availability and quality. Eco fashion was once associated with frumpy casual basics but there are now high street and independent ranges producing stylish and fashion forward ranges.
One or my favourite eco-conscious brands is surf and snow brand Sutu. The range includes organic cotton pieces produced in carbon neutral factories. Pieces include illustrations inspired by South American art.








I think that the success of sustainable/eco fashion will grow and grow. The facts that sales have grown during a recession suggest that shoppers are happy to pay for the emotional attachment to ethical practices.
Eco fashion is such a huge subject area with so many different aspects. I find it very interesting and think that it is possibly a subject that I would like to write my dissertation on next year. I am certain that it will be put to use in years to come as it is such a current issue that I am sure I will come across in my future career.

BA or Fda?????

I can't believe it is coming to the end of the final term already it has gone so quickly! I have decided that I would definitely like to continue my studies as I feel there are more things I would like to improve on before I go onto the work place. Especially with the current economy I think I would regret it if I decided not to do the third year and spent the year unemployed when I could have been improving my skills. However I am still a little unsure about which option is right foe me. There are benefits to both BA Fashion studies and BA Fashion technology.
I will be having a tutorial in the coming week which may help me decide. At the moment I feel that the Fashion technology top is best suited to me because I think that I am a vocational learner and would really benefit from an extended work placement. I have also considered the fact that if I take this route I can still pick a design pathway in my third year without making a collection. Although I have enjoyed designing my own collection I have found the construction side very challenging. In the third year I would like to work to a design brief using the computer. I also feel this would be more suited to the job role I would eventually be applying for.

My Dream Job

When I graduate after completing the BA top up I hope I will be well equip to apply for a position as a Junior Designer. I would like to work in the youth/casual sector. After spending am hour looking for vacancies that I feel I would be eligible to apply for I was shocked at the lack of vacancies available. This demonstrated to me how difficult it is going to be to secure a job in Design.
However I am confident that I will because I am not going to limit my options by only applying for certain vacancies. I noticed when looking at listed vacancies that there were more vacancies abroad both in Europe and Asia. I would definitely consider applying for vacancies abroad because it would be a fantastic opportunity to improve my CV and would increase mt chances of being employed in the UK in the future. I also noticed that allot of companies were employing designers on a freelance basis. Often they were on a temporary basis from 1-3 days a week but some paid up to £300 a day!
After lots of research I have created my dream job profile below

EMPLOYER: Quicksilver/ROXY
LOCATION: California
SALARY: £20,00 p/a plus benefits
DIVISION: Design
SECTOR: teen/casual
JOB TYPE: Permanent

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

-Supporting teen/casual designer
-managing samples
-sourcing fabrics/trims
-creating mood boards and trend packs
-liaising with suppliers
-Creating technical/flat drawings to a high standard

This will be a fast paced and challenging environment and may include the opportunity to travel

I am currently in the process of trying to secure a work placement for the third year. I have made a few changes to my CV that I think will make it look more professional. I have tried to condense it so that it only lists relevant information as it was previously 3 pages long. I have also added a personal profile listing my strengths and
used a bullet point format throughout.

CV: Zoë Harvey

Contact Details

Zoë Harvey
Flat 24 Whitewater,
47 Sea Road
Bournemouth
BH5 1BP

07814146861

Personal Profile

- Creative problem solver
- The ability to spot and develop trends
- A good eye for colour texture and shape
- Understanding of production processes
- Experience in using ‘Photoshop’, Illustrator and Artworks

Education

Bournemouth Arts University College (current)
BA (hons) Fashion Design

Southampton Solent University
Foundation Fashion Design

Poole and Bournemouth College
Advanced Vocational Certificate- BC
Fashion design techniques and technology
Surface design
Fashion Illustration

Lychette Minster Upper School
11 G.C.S.E’S Grade A-C

Work Experience

Mudpie Aug-Sep 2009
(Trend forecasting and design agency)

- Creating colour swatches
- Researching emerging trends
- Vectorising images using ‘Corel Draw’
- General Office Administration
- Creating flat drawings

Mojo Surf (Coffs Harbor Australia) May-Oct 2008

Whilst travelling in Australia I spent 6 months working in a surf camp. It was here that I developed a passion for surfing. My job role was very varied but included looking after backpackers and helping organize surf lessons.


New Look (design dep.) Mar- Apr 07
(One month work placement

- Producing weekly ‘Press boards’ on ‘Photoshop to be sent to Buyers
- Photographing garments
- Creating fabric designs using ‘easyweave’ programme
- Putting together a trend presentation
- Colour reduction using the ‘easycolour’ programme
- Administration duties
- Making theme/story boards


Noyac Golf Club (Sag Harbor New York) May Aug 06

- Greeting guests
- Till work
- Money handling
- Function work



Liverpool Victoria Oct 06- April07
(Customer service adviser)

- Use of Microsoft Office
- Leasing with other areas of the business\
- Customer service


Hobbies and interests

I love to stay active and love to be outdoors. One of my passions is snowboarding I try to go to an indoor slope in between holidays; I also enjoy surfing and Pilates.

Drapers Record

WHAT IS DRAPERS RECORD?

Drapers Record is an industry focused magazine that provides information on the UK fashion industry. Subscribers to the magazine can also view the full content available online at www.drapersonline.com. You can however sign up to there email newsletter free of charge that provides more limited content than the magazine.

CONTENT

The magazine and website provides information on E-commerce, trends, catwalks, Independents, Multiples and the latest news. There is also a comprehensive list of jobs in the industry.

HOW CAN IT HELP ME?

I subscribe the the email updates from Drapers because I feel that if I want to have a career in such a fast paced industry I need to keep up with the latest news. The job section of the website is very good and also advertises vacancies for students and graduates.

Companies House

WHAT IS COMPANIES HOUSE?

Companies house is the Registrar of companies. All limited companies in the United Kingdom are registered at Companies House. Companies House also make information on limited companies available to the public. The website www.companieshouse.gov.uk also provides information for people running and starting new bussiness.

CONTENT

The website is easy to use and has links to information on how to obtain financial support, and how to register a new company. It also lists the variouse events that Companies House organize to support businesses. Users can also file important doccuments online.

HOW CAN IT HELP ME?

In the future I would like to start my own bussiness. There are variouse laws and legislations involved in business that I am unaware of. Browsing throught the website it includes guidence on how to register a new company. Before starting my own company I would like to be as informed and preppared as possible. This website can provide me with vital information that could give me the best chance of succeeding.

Study India???

I have found out yesterday that I have been selected for the study India reserve list! I applied a while ago for Study India but didn't expect to receive a place when I found out that 1300 students from across the UK applied. The application was very lengthily and had some difficult questions. Out of the 1300 that applied a panel selected 200 applicants and a further 100 reserves. Apparently around 25% of the reserves will eventually get a place. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that somebody drops out. This was be an amazing opportunity for me. The 3 week programme includes a mixture of lectures sight seeing and volunteering. Even if I don't get in I am really happy that I have got this far and took the time to apply.

Mintel

WHAT IS MINTEL?

Mintel is an independent company that provides market analysis and recommendation. It also allows retailers to keep an eye on there competitors. This research is aimed at the Finance, leisure, media and retail sectors. Users subscribe to view the full content and students can more a more limited content for free.

CONTENT

There is a vast amount of information on the Mintel website with many articles commenting on current consumer trends. These articles include data analysis, market intelligence and product innovation. This information can help retailers to make a more informed decisions.

HOW CAN IT HELP ME

Mintel is a fantastic resource especially for figures and statistics. The student content allows me to read most articles. I think that this recourse will be very useful in my final year when I am writing my dissertation. I am very interested in brand communication and in particular the ways in which companies get consumers to buy into a brand and this is something I would like to research further next year. When browsing Mintel I found many interesting articles related to this area. Most of the articles included facts and figures which are a good way of backing up an argument.

Fashion Moniter

WHAT IS FASHION MONITOR?
Fashion Monitor is a website used by professionals in the fashion and beauty industry to keep up to date with the latest industry news and search for contacts

CONTENT
Subscribers of fashion Monitor have access to contacts working in fashion and beauty including Freelance journalists, stylists, photographers and event producers.
The website is regularly updated with the lasted new and events information including articles on catwalk shows, press launches, and trade exhibitions.

HOW CAN IT HELP ME

Having a look through the free content available on fashion Monitor I can see this website would be very useful for people working in a PR or communications based role. Working in fashion PR or in editorial it is vital to have your finger on the pulse of what is happening in the industry. Fashion Monitor is a time saving tool that also allows the user to gain access to contacts without spending hours networking. For me personally I don't feel that this website would benefit me greatly at this stage of my career. However if in the future I set up my own business I think It would be a good way to promote a business and find professionals in PR and event management.
I have set up an account page on www.linkedin.com This is a free service that allows you to make contacts online. My page includes my CV and contact details. Once you have made a contact you are then able to view all of there contacts. For example one of my contacts is the assistant designer at New Look who I met whilst on a work placement. I can now view all of her contacts in the industry. I think this website will prove very useful in the future when I am trying to find employment.

5 Year Plan

June 2010-Fashion Show

The end of year show is a fantastic opportunity for me to showcase my design work.It also allows me to have examples of my designs to put in my Portfolio. At this time I would like to update my CV and have finished a Professional portfolio.Previous PPRD lessons have demonstrated that I should consider myself as a ‘brand’ I would like my portfolio to have a running theme with a logo or typeface that represents my ‘core values’ as a designer.

Sep 2010 BA (hons)

I have decided to continue my studies and complete the one year top up.I hope to progress onto the Fda top up option as I think that a work placement would be invaluable experience that would increase my chances of employment I would like to complete a work placement with a market leading lifestyle brand and have also considered the option of completing a work placement abroad.During this time I would like to make vital contacts in the industry and in particular refine my CAD skills
In my final year I would also like to:

- Learn more skills that will help me in the work place
- Create a digital portfolio
- Create my own website including my Portfolio and CV as a way to promote myself when
I graduate
- Perfect my interview technique so that I am prepared and can stand out against many
other applicants
- Get a first class degree!!!

Jul 2010-Get a job

After graduating I will apply for work in the casual/sports apparel industry. After researching companies I have found that O’neill, Adidas and Abbercrombie and Fitch employ university leavers on a ‘graduate training programme’ I would also consider working on a freelance basis as this can have many benefits including flexibility and variation. In order to secure a job I will use a variety of methods including:

- Send out speculative letters to companies that are not advertising
- Search online for new positions
- Apply to agencies such as fashion enter
- Look for advertised positions in publications such as Drapers Record

I understand that I will be competing with thousands of applicants but I feel confident that if I make the most of my final year at university I will be well equipt to secure myself a role as an assistant designer.

2010-Designer

After 2 years experimce working in a head office design department I hope to be given my own small department to design for. Whilst in this role I would like to:

- gain a sound understanding of the critical path and the terminology used in industry
- Visit factories and Suppliers
- Gain further contacts in the industry
- Start completing a detailed business plan
- Secure funding so I can start my own businessI hope that after gaining experience


2012-Set up womenswear brand

I hope that after gaining experience working for a large retail company I would be prepared to set up my own business.. I would like to create a lifestyle brand aimed at women who enjoy extreme sports. To begin with I aim to start on a small scale and sell my designs online. I hope to go into bussines with another person as I feel I would have a much greater chance of success if I was working with somebody who had ‘buyiing’ or ‘bussiness’ experience.

Buying a piece of the American dream

Abercrombie and Fitch is an American retailer specialising in ‘casual luxury’ apparel. Times magazine recently printed that they are the 6th biggest brand in the USA (putting them in front of Nintendo and Levis)
At the London flagship store customers que for hours just to have a look around. This weekend I braved the ques to see what all the excitement was about. I left 2 hours later having bought several things I hadn't intended to including a bottle of fragrance sold to me at the till. I have since researched the techniques that Abercrombie and Fitch use to make people buy into there brand
When walking around the store there are different elements that arouse all the senses. Interiors are highlighted with dim ceiling light. Loud Electronic or dance music is played throughout the store. Clothing is folded in wooden wardrobe like structures. Even the scent is considered with A+F Fragrance ‘Fierce’ being sprayed regularly from black boxes that contain concentrated fragrance. Wood paneled walls leather sofas and rugs give the store a home like feel. The clever interiors combined with the upbeat music and dim lighting make you feel like you have been invited to an exclusive house party full of beautiful people. I think that this fun and upbeat atmosphere is a huge part of the brands appeal and keep the brands target customer coming back.


However these techniques are not just used to keep the customer returning to the store. A well executed store design means that people are more likely to spend more time in store resulting in larger sales. Layers of atmospherics can actually alter the perception of time for shoppers, encouraging them to become so comfortable and pleasantly stimulated by the shopping environment that time becomes less important.

The effective store design alongside eye-catching marketing campaigns make visiting Abercrombie and Fitch an’irresistible’ shopping experience. I think that the visual merchandising and branding is so well executed that when shopping in store the customer is actually buying into a lifestyle that they want to be associated with.
After graduating I would like to work for a sports lifestyle brand. I now realize the importance of building a brand and how everything from store layout to music and typography must reflect the brands ideal. I will also consider this when putting my portfolio together.

In the future I think the Abercrombie and Fitch brand will continue to flourish. American lifestyle brands such as ‘Gap’ ‘Tommy Hilfiger’ and ‘Polo’ continue to have global appeal.. However they may become a victim of there own success. With more stores being opened across the UK and Europe the shopper may loose the feeling of ‘exclusivity’ that the brand relies on.

Pure London and Goldhawke Road

On Monday I went to Pure London trade exhibition. It was well worth the trip and gave me a useful insight into the world of retail. There were lots of businesses that were relatively new exhibiting there collections. I spoke to two companies about the possibility of doing some work experience.
After the exhibition I went to Goldhawke road to look for fabrics for my collection. Because my collection is inspired by India I wanted to find some traditional Indian sari fabric. After going in several shop I found some beautiful fabric. Because I now decided that one of my pieces will be made from cotton instead of jersey fabric I will have to do a new toile and change my patter. I think that it would have been beneficial for me to start fabric sourcing before the design process.

Study India

After getting an email about the study India programme I have just completed my application. Every year around 900 student s apply and 200 get accepted. I I get a place I would be spendning 3 weeks in India going to lectures at a university and sightseeing. I decided to apply because I thaught it would be a fantastic oppertunity and could look good on my CV. India plays a huge role in the fashion industry and to learn more about the country would be invaluable.

For my final collection I have decided to use India as my inspiration. I think this theme works well with the colour brief I am working on and also allows me to reference ethical issues. I have spent the weekend working on my mood board so I can start my designs next week. I want to have lots of digital work in my portfolio so I have done the mood board on Photoshop including some illustrations based on Henna tattoos which were done In Illustrator. This took me much longer to do than it would have done by hand as I am not very familiar with Photoshop however I glad I put the hours in as I now feel more confident using the programme. Overall I am very pleased with the result and think it looks more professional than some of the other mood boards I have created by hand.

Am I a brand?

After today's PPRD Lesson I was have been thinking more about my own creative philosophy and how I would like to present myself to future employers. When I was working at the weekend (in a cafe) I took over some cofees to a girl who was showing her father her portfolio. I asked her if she was a fashion student and she said she was a fashion designer (a little embarrassing!) She said she had just returned home after doing some work for Adidas. She let me have a look through her portfolio and it looked very professional and every page had her name in a logo/typeface in the corner. It also was very selective and was quite small. After looking through her work when I start putting together my portfolio I will consider having it in A4 file as I think it looks more professional. I am also going to spend some time coming up with typeface that I feel communicates my 'brand'
I also started thinking about how I am going to set myself apart from all the other graduates and think that setting up another blog that shows my work and CV would also be a good idea.
Ontop of that I am also back on the case with trying to find a work placement for next year

Celebrity Fashion Designers

We have been asked to comment on current fashion related issues and the first thing that came to my mind was Celebrities designing for high-street retailers. Maybe it because the prospect of competing with thousands of students shortly is scare enough but now I have to compete with the like of Kate Moss and Emma Watson who have not spent the last two years working really hard doing a degree! When doing a work placement at New Look I was working with the girl who designed the Lilly Allen collection. Lilly Allen was asked to bring in 10 of her favourite dresses and then New Looks in house designers designed the collection from there. I think that people believe that the celebrities have a much more creative input than they do. I understand why it sells because essentially when a person buys a Kate Moss dress they are trying to buy into the 'Kate Moss lifestyle'. However I do think its a shame that the talented and hard working designers are not enough for our celebrity obsesses culture.
Despite the continued success of these collections Richard Bradbury the managing directer of River Island has said 'We don't do the celebrity thing. I think its a bit of an insult, basically your saying to your design studio your not coming up with interesting enough stuff lets hire a celeb' I have however seen River Island collections from students scouted at Graduate fashion.